Do it yourself nursery decor: how to make a simple themed money bank

You can make a useful and decorative money bank to match your baby's nursery decor. This money bank is very simple to make and can be designed in a number of ways. The finished money bank will look like you bought it to match the decor of your baby's room.

First you need to decide what materials you will use to match your baby's nursery decor. There are many different options to consider before getting started. If you have leftover wallpaper or wallpaper border, it could be used to complete this project. If you purchased a bedding ensemble that came with drapery or other window treatments that aren't being used, consider using them to decorate the bank. If you don't have anything that matches your baby's nursery decor, consider choosing fabric to match the existing colors in the room. Take samples to a fabric store, and do your best to match them accordingly. If your baby's nursery decor has a cartoon character theme or other well-known theme, look for fabric, magazines, books, or wrapping paper with those particular characters. The graphics can be cut, trimmed, and used to design a themed bank for your baby.

The supplies you need for this project greatly depend on the base material you will use to decorate your baby's bank. Once you've chosen something that matches your baby's decor, you will also need a canister-style potato chip container, pointed scissors, craft glue, and solid colored construction paper or wrapping paper. Decorative scrapbook paper is also a great material for this project. It's durable, and it comes in a wide variety of patterns and colors. Optional supplies are narrow satin ribbons, glitter in a color of your choice, and a craft knife.

Begin by wiping out the inside of an empty canister-style chip container with a paper towel. The paper towel should absorb much of the oil left in the can. Wrap the can with solid colored wallpaper or wrapping paper that will match the colors in the theme of your baby's room. Wrap the can tightly, and cut the paper straight so it looks as neat as possible. Glue the seams in place, and allow plenty of time for the glue to dry.

Now you need to cut out shapes, characters, or figures from either fabric, wallpaper, or wallpaper border. Remember, you can also use characters that match the theme of your baby's room that have been taken from wrapping paper, magazines, or other printed material. Cut the shapes out carefully so the edges are smooth. After cutting out all the graphics you'll need for the project, thoughtfully position the shapes, and glue them to the canister.

Optionally you can fill in specific areas of graphics or trace around certain shapes with glitter. Just apply glue to the areas where you want glitter, sprinkle on enough to cover the glue, and shake off any excess. This will add some sparkle and a unique finishing touch to your baby's theme bank.

Ribbons also add a nice finishing touch to a themed bank, depending on the theme. If ribbons are appropriate with the theme of your baby's nursery decor, fashion several small bows, and glue them to the bank. You could also tie a pretty bow around the top of the bank. What you decide to do depends largely on the theme of your baby's nursery decor.

Complete the bank by placing the plastic lid on the canister. Carefully cut a slit in the center of the lid using pointed scissors or a craft knife.

The last step is to add the first coin to your baby's bank. Once the bank is filled, you'll be able to start a savings account for your precious little bundle of joy.